"Deep down, we all have a deep love, care, and passion for our state," Morris told necn. "I don’t know that a change in leadership, just because of a particular party designation, is going to make us lose focus of what needs to be done for Vermonters right now."

Former Governor Peter Shumlin, a Democrat, did not seek reelection in November.

In his farewell address to the legislature, Shumlin said this week that under President Donald Trump, the nation will need Vermont’s brand of togetherness and respect now more than ever.